State climatologist: Illinois saw cold, stormy February

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Weather experts say February was cold and stormy in Illinois with above-average precipitation and below-average temperatures.

The Illinois state climatologist's office says the preliminary average statewide precipitation in Illinois during February was about 3.3 inches (8.4 centimeters), about 1.3 inches (3.3 centimeters) above average. The climatologist's office described February as having "an almost constant succession" of storms resulting in moderate snow accumulation for northern Illinois. It says far southern Illinois saw "persistent rain events and widespread flooding."

The highest monthly precipitation total was at Smithland Lock and Dam in Pope County at nearly 10.7 inches (27.2 centimeters). The office says snowfall was plentiful in counties along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Galena had the highest snowfall total at 25.7 inches (65.3 centimeters).

Statewide the preliminary average temperature in February was 28.6 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1.9 degrees Celsius), a few degrees below average.